Wednesday, March 4, 2009

House Committee Passes FDA Regulation of Tobacco!

Today, the House Committee on Energy and Commerce passed the Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act, legislation that would give the FDA the authority to regulate tobacco products and marketing. The bill passed with a vote of 39-13.

Members of Congress have an opportunity with this bill to protect America's children from deadly tobacco addiction and end the deceptive marketing practices of Big Tobacco. More than 960 health, children's and faith groups have signed a letter indicating their support of the bill.

Nearly identical legislation was passed by the House of Representatives last year, but the Senate failed to bring the bill up for a vote despite broad bipartisan support. Today's action was a great step forward, and we're hopeful the 111th Congress will quickly attend to this unfinished business.